Major investment in Harrogate hotel

A REFURBISHMENT costing up to £1 million is to take place at the Hotel du Vin in Harrogate.

The revamp is part of a wider investment in a number of hotels across the chain by its parent company, MWB.

“Harrogate Hotel du Vin has been open for nearly eight years and we haven’t spent any money in that time,” said general manager Grant Lowe.

“The hotel now is very established, it’s well-known in the market place and the company sees the benefit of investing into Harrogate.”

Due to begin within the next two months, the revamp will result in new under-floor heating in the bathrooms, which will also be re-tiled and re-painted. All of the 48 bedrooms will get new soft furnishings and furniture, as well as a 42in flatscreen television.

About £18,000 will be spent on new furniture and planting for the courtyard, while the front of the building will also be spruced up. There are also as yet unspecified plans to convert the snug.

Mr Lowe was unable to reveal the final cost of the work but said the figure would be anywhere between £500,000 and £1m. Work should be completed about 18 months from now.

He added: “Changes will be gradual, but always with the brand in mind.

“But we are not going to change the heart of what the hotel stands for and what the public in Harrogate have come to appreciate.”

The hotel has a 90-seater restaurant, two function rooms and a public bar, as well as 48 bedrooms and a spa with five treatment rooms. About 60 per cent of the hotel’s guests are non-residents, with the leisure/corporate split at about 50/50.

Mr Lowe has been tasked with bringing the venue “back to brand”, including re-introducing the Hotel du Vin bistro ethos to the restaurant, offering Yorkshire portions of simple food, locally sourced, and at reasonable prices. A steak night will be launched on July 6.

l To read an interview with Grant Lowe, see today’s Business Monthly supplement.